Met slams brakes on uninsured drivers
27 September 2012
The Metropolitan Police has seized the most uninsured vehicles ever in the course of one day, with 580 vehicles taken away from drivers illegally using London's roads.
Operation Cubo, which took place yesterday, Thursday 27 September, also resulted in 64 arrests for offences including drugs possession, drink and drug driving, driving whilst disqualified and non payment of fines.
The 11th day of action under Operation Cubo, saw more than 800 officers taking part in a co-ordinated series of operations, including road-side check points, as well as offering tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle crime.
The huge haul of vehicles seized by officers yesterday included high value Range Rovers and a Porsche.
During the eleven Operation Cubo days held so far, more than 800 people have now been arrested for a variety of offences including rape, possession of illegal firearms, money laundering and drugs.
Firearms, other weapons and large quantities cash and drugs have also been recovered.
Since the launch of Operation Cubo by MPS Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe in October 2011, the total number of uninsured vehicles seized has risen to nearly 37,000.
Launching the initiative in October 2011, the Commissioner stated that many uninsured drivers have a criminal record and actively use their vehicles to facilitate their offending. Uninsured drivers are also five times more likely to be involved in collisions and less likely to have vehicles in a roadworthy condition.
Leading Operation Cubo, Commander Stephen Watson said: "Operation Cubo has to date achieved some outstanding results, with the largest ever haul of vehicles seized in one day during the latest crackdown and 64 arrests made.
"Nearly 37,000 vehicles have now been seized since we began our initiative and hundreds of criminals arrested.
"We will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals by denying them the use of the roads so it's much harder for them to commit crime. We're also helping to make London's roads safer as uninsured drivers are more likely to have collisions and less likely to have road-worthy vehicles."
+ A seized Ferrari FF worth more than £200k is currently on display outside New Scotland Yard to mark the eleventh day of action targeting uninsured drivers.
- Seized Cars Vehicles recovered during Operation Cubo